William ‘Bill’ R. Peltier

McMILLAN — William “Bill” R. Peltier, age 75, of McMillan, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, May 12, 2025 at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He was the beloved husband of Trudy; devoted father to five children: Chad Peltier of Newberry, Mich., Joe Peltier (Nick Perry) of San Francisco, Calif., Adam Peltier (Kasey) of Petoskey, Mich., Dr. Dan Peltier (Marliese) of Indianapolis, Ind., and Carrie Peltier (Dheeraz Govathoti) of Boston, Mass.; cherished grandfather to six grandchildren: Kayddin, Olivia, Aubrielle, Louis, Emerson and Morgan; brother to Jim Peltier (Rose) of Escanaba; brother-in-law to Craig Johnson (Elise) of Harrison Township, Mich. and Holly Foran (Hugh) of White Lake, Mich.; and uncle to numerous special nieces and nephews.

Bill was born on July 8, 1949 in Gladstone, Michigan, son of Chuck and Shirley (Norden) Peltier. He graduated from Holy Name High School in 1967. Bill attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biological and Physical Science in 1971. It was at Shaw Hall, “on the banks of the Red Cedar,” where Bill met his wife. In 1975, he earned his Master of Arts in Education Administration at Eastern Michigan University.

On December 16,1972, Bill and Trudy were united in marriage at Birmingham First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Michigan. They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.

Bill was passionate about promoting the well-being and education of all learners. He saw every student as a unique individual with potential to learn and grow. Bill started his career as a junior high science teacher and coach at Flint Beecher Schools. In 1975, Bill and Trudy moved back to the Upper Peninsula to settle in Newberry, Michigan, first starting as a freshman science teacher at Newberry High School and community school director for Consolidated Community School Services in Rudyard. He then served as middle school principal and director of school transportation. He was named Upper Peninsula Principal of the Year in 1990 and 1996.

In total, Bill’s career in education spanned 44 years, retiring as superintendent of Tahquamenon Area Schools in 2004, and then re-retiring as superintendent of Moran Township School District in 2015, after serving there for 11 years. After his second retirement, he continued to instruct school bus drivers as a way to fulfill his lifelong commitment to education.

Along with the many achievements at Tahquamenon Area Schools, Bill became a legend serving the residents and guests of Luce County as an Emergency Medical Technician. He joined Luce County Ambulance Corp in 1976 and served through 2005. In 1996, along with the late Terry Stark, he led as Chief until he retired in 2004.

As a practitioner, Bill volunteered his Monday and Wednesday nights pulling call shifts, urgently darting from home so that he could care for others in need. From providing chest compressions, treating traumatic injuries, rushing the critically sick and injured at 3 a.m. to larger hospitals, to holding a hand during one’s final moments, he was there to answer the call. He loved to serve the residents and guests of Luce County.

During his years as Chief, with the help of Terry and fellow Corp members, they created a sustainable service with the building of the main station and substation in Lakefield, recruiting and training new members, securing financial stability, and above all, providing excellent service for the sick and injured. Bill was never worried about receiving credit — he worried about the outcome. He had a way to empower his fellow Corp members for the common goal — to treat and transport the sick and injured with professionalism and compassion. He was a role model and a brave member of Luce County EMS.

Bill gave his spare time to numerous other community service projects and programs, including Boy Scouts of America and the Marquette General Hospital Regional Advisory Council. While he lived in Newberry, Bill was an active parishioner of St. Gregory’s; after moving to McMillan, he became a parishioner of St. Timothy’s in Curtis. He was also a member of Newberry Elks Lodge 1705.

Bill enjoyed spending his free time with his dear friends and family. His interests encompassed being a lifelong and avid golfer as a member of the Newberry Country Club, hunting at the family deer camp, and tending to his vegetable garden. He enjoyed being able to fish and boat in the summers, ice fish and cross-country ski in the winters, and take long walks with his loyal dog Fred, regardless of the weather.

Bill will be remembered for his eternally optimistic perspective on life. His character showed in the tough times following his acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis, as he maintained a positive outlook throughout his year-long fight.

In addition to his parents, he is recently preceded in death by his uncle Daniel “Bud” Norden.

Bill’s greatest joy was raising his family with Trudy. He would always say how proud he was of his children, their families and the careers they went on to build for themselves. He loved taking photos that capture countless treasured family memories. Above all, he made sure his family knew how delighted and grateful he was for the life he and Trudy built together.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Tuesday May 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Bill will follow at noon at the church with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal will take place at the East Lakefield Township Cemetery in McMillan.

Upon his first retirement in 2004, the William Peltier Leadership Award at Tahquamenon Area Schools was established to recognize one student each year for their leadership potential. The family would welcome contributions to this award fund. Please send contributions to the William Peltier Leadership Award Fund in care of Newberry High School, 700 Newberry Avenue, Newberry, Michigan 49868 attention Deb Canfield.

Alternatively, the family encourages contributions to the Tahquamenon Education Foundation, which supports local students through grants and scholarships. Please see the TEF website www.tahquamenoned.org for details.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.